Debt can cause uncertainty. Whether it's national or personal, short-term or long-term, debt rarely carries good connotations. However, being in debt doesn't have to be permanent. With discipline and good management, it's possible to get yourself back on solid financial ground.

Some may see taking out a loan as free money — funds that allow you to purchase what you want when you want it, with no immediate consequences. However, debt can quickly spiral out of control and have a lasting impact on your financial well-being.

If you find yourself in debt, don't panic: there are steps you can take now to start improving your financial health. A few factors are important to consider as you evaluate your debt. Is a portion considered “good debt,” such as a student loan to pay for college? Do some loans have significantly higher interest rates than others? After taking questions like these into consideration, you also need to calculate exactly how much money you owe and start a savings plan to pay it back. Finally, once you've started getting yourself out of debt, you can begin rebuilding your overall financial health and get yourself back in good standing.

Don't wait to deal with debt. The longer you procrastinate, the more money you will eventually owe. The problem may seem overwhelming now, but the sooner you get started, the better off you'll be. Start tackling your debt now with our tips and resources below.